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History 8 India Ancient India Workbook

This depiction of the three deities shows that they are just different aspects of Brahman and each other in many ways. First, they are sitting in the exact same position. This shows that they are similar to each other. Secondly, their faces are the same. This is like saying it’s the same person in a different body. Thirdly, their clothes and the items that they are holding are different, and one of Brahma’s arms is in a different position than the others. Also, Brahman’s hat his bigger. This shows that they are different aspects of each other instead of the same aspect, and that Brahman is slightly more important because of his being the creator. Brahman is holding a spoon and something that looks like paper. It seems as if he is getting ready to create something. Vishnu is holding a flower, which shows that he is trying to preserve the universe. And finally, Shiva is holding a lasso and a trident. The lasso can be used to trap living beings, and the trident can be used to kill them.

Cited Sources: CF Manual pg. 176 BBC religion: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/beliefs/intro_1.shtml

Jared Margolis